The Ultimate Guide to Paint Shades for Every Room Orientation

The Ultimate Guide to Paint Shades for Every Room Orientation

January 09, 2025

Embarking on an interior painting project for the first time can feel daunting. With so many colours and finishes to choose from, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But with a little guidance and some expert tips, you’ll soon discover that painting your home can be an enjoyable and rewarding DIY adventure. This blog will help you navigate colour choices based on room orientation and create harmonious schemes that work beautifully in your space.

Understanding Room Orientation and Lighting

Natural light has a significant impact on how colours appear in a room. Depending on the orientation of your space (north, south, east, or west), the type and intensity of light will vary. Let’s break down what works best for each direction and create colour schemes for different rooms in your home.

North-Facing Rooms

North-facing rooms often have cooler, dimmer light, which can make colours appear slightly muted or colder. To counteract this, choose warmer tones to create a cosy and inviting feel.

Recommended Colours: Soft creams, warm greys, pale yellows, blush pinks, or earthy tones like terracotta.

Room Ideas:

Bedroom: A blush pink or warm beige will add a touch of serenity.
Kitchen: Light cream paired with wooden cabinetry creates a welcoming space.
Living Room: Terracotta walls combined with muted olive accents create warmth and character.

Room Scheme Suggestion: Pair a delicate cream on the walls, for example, Colourtrend's Batch Loaf, with natural wood tones and soft textured furnishings and décor for a cohesive, snug atmosphere.

South-Facing Rooms

South-facing rooms benefit from bright, warm light throughout the day. These spaces can handle bolder or deeper hues, but lighter colours will glow beautifully.

Recommended Colours: Crisp whites, pastel blues, deep greens, or bold jewel tones like sapphire or emerald

Room Ideas:

Sitting Room: A deep forest green accent wall paired with soft beige furniture creates a modern yet comfortable feel.
Office: Pale blue walls help create a calming, productive environment.
Bathroom: A crisp white or light aqua pairs beautifully with chrome fixtures for a fresh, spa-like effect.

Room Scheme Suggestion: Use a deep green on one wall, like Farrow & Ball's Beverly, with lighter shades of beige or white (Selvedge) on the remaining walls and pops of red or blue for a contrasting style.

East-Facing Rooms

East-facing rooms get bright morning light and softer, cooler tones in the afternoon. These spaces work well with warm colours that shine in the morning and maintain a sense of balance later in the day.

Recommended Colours: Peachy tones, light yellows, soft blues, or warm greys.

Room Ideas:

Playroom: Sunny yellow walls bring energy and vibrancy, especially in the morning.
Dining Room: Peachy tones create a lively yet elegant setting for meals.
Bedroom: Warm grey or taupe offers a calm and timeless feel.

Room Scheme Suggestion: Pair peach shades like Little Greene's Masquerade variations, with white accents or navy for a cheerful yet grounded look.

West-Facing Rooms

West-facing rooms receive cooler light in the morning but glow with warm light in the afternoon and evening. This dynamic lighting makes warm and dramatic colours particularly stunning.

Recommended Colours: Warm greys, dusky pinks, deep oranges, or bold reds.

Room Ideas:

Hallway: A dusky pink or warm grey creates a welcoming transitional space.
Living Room: Burnt orange walls glow beautifully in the evening light.
Bathroom: A soft coral pairs wonderfully with white tiles for a lively yet elegant look.

Room Scheme Suggestion: Combine burnt orange walls using a shade like CURATOR's Tailored Tweed, with deep brown furnishings and accents of rust and gold for a rich, warm ambiance.

The Importance of Harmonious Colour Schemes

When choosing colours, think beyond the individual room and consider how they flow throughout your home. Using complementary tones and consistent accents can tie spaces together beautifully. For example:

Pair warm, earthy tones like terracotta and cream in the kitchen with soft blush pink in the hallway for continuity
Use a consistent trim colour, such as crisp white, to create unity across rooms.
Incorporate coordinating accessories, such as cushions, rugs, and curtains, to harmonise the overall look.

Not Sure Where to Begin? We Can Help!

Choosing the right colours can feel like a lot to tackle, but that’s where our expertise comes in. Visiting your local paint studio is the perfect way to explore our curated collections, get personalised advice, and find inspiration for your home.

For those who prefer tailored guidance, booking a consultation with us is a fantastic option. Our design experts will assess your space and lighting, and help you choose the ideal colour combinations for your home. In your appointment, your consultant will provide tips on paint finishes and application techniques to ensure your project feels manageable and exciting.

Ready to Start Your Painting Journey?

Whether you’re transforming a single room or giving your entire home a fresh new look, the right colours can make all the difference. Visit our paint studio to discover premium paints and expert advice that will turn your vision into reality. With our guidance, even the most hesitant beginner can achieve professional-quality results. Let’s create a home you’ll love for years to come!